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The Music of St. Croix

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Over the past few years the sounds of roots music emanating from the island of St. Croix has risen in meteoric proportions.  Having been hounded by countless individuals wanting to learn more about this Cruzial music, I have undertaken to present a list of STX music that has been released to date.  I have also put together links to all known web sites pertaining to the Artists and Record Labels participating in this St. Croix musical revolution.  For albums that are still available, I have endeavored to include links to web sites where this music can be purchased.   

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Artists:

Abja Army Bambu Station Batch Danny I
De Apostle Dezarie Donny Dread Iba Ikahba
Inner Visions Jahcob Seed Jahman Mada Nile Masta Chang
Midnite Midnite Branch I Midnite I Grade Mystical Youth Ras Attitude
Ron Benjamin Sabbattical Ahdah Sistah Joyce Star Lion Family The Great Abu
Umojah Various Artists

Abja:

Abja - Inna Red I Hour Abja
Inna Red I Hour
I Grade Records
2003
Debut release by this artist (also featured on Weep Not) has a distinctively rootsy blues feel to it. 
Favorite Selection: War
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Army:

Army - Struggler Army
Struggler
Dub Rise Records
2003
A good sophomore effort from this heartical artist from this artist from the Dub Rise Records stable.
Favorite Selection: Overtime
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Army - Yesterday's News Army
Yesterday's News
Dub Rise Records
2003
This debut album was remastered and re-released by Dub Rise Records.
Favorite Selection: Arise
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Army - Yesterday's News (original cover) Army
Yesterday's News
Glamorous Records
2000
Debut album of Army, who also appears on the Eastbound CD.  Yesterday's News was initially released by Glamorous Records.
Favorite Selection: Arise
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Army - Calling Jah Army Army & Luciano
Calling Jah Army
Dub Rise Records
2003
CD single featuring Army in combination with Jamaican reggae sensation Luciano. Listen to CD
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Bambu Station:

Bambu Station - One Day Bambu Station
One Day
Mt. Nebo Records
2003
Crucial release by Jalani Horton who is also featured on Talkin Roots Vol. 1.
Favorite Selection: Humanity Bawlin'
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Batch:

Batch - Keep The Faith Batch
Keep The Faith
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2004
Admirable follow-up to his debut album from this leader of the Sound V.I.Zion Records posse.
Favorite Selection: Leave Out Babylon
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Batch - Who You Are Batch
Who You Are
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2003
Debut release from the founder of Sound V.I.Zion Records who also appears on the Culturellennium compilations.
Favorite Selection: Jah Guide I
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Danny I:

Danny I - Jah Fury Danny I
Jah Fury
Iyah Ites
2002
Initial album from this artist who also appears on the Eastbound II and Talking Roots II albums.
Favorite Selection:  Jah Fury
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De Apostle:

De Apostle - Renegade Music De Apostle
Renegade Music
L.P. Records
2003
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De Apostle - Book Of Fire De Apostle
Book Of Fire
Prophet Hill
Records
2002
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De Apostle - Genisis De Apostle
Genesis
Prophet Hill
Records
2000
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Dezarie:

Dezarie - Gracious Mama Africa Dezarie
Gracious Mama Africa
Afrikan Roots Lab
2003
Crucial album from St. Croix's roots empress, Gracious Mama Africa is a dynamic album that is sure to become a roots classic.
Favorite Selection: Law Fe De Outlaw
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Dezarie - Fya Dezarie
Fya
I Grade Records
2001
Debut album from this outstanding vocalist, Dezarie was given the 'Best New Artist' award at the 2001 Atlanta Reggae Awards.
Favorite Selection: Most High
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Donny Dread:

Donny Dread - Set De Pace Donny Dread
Set De Pace
Groundbreaking Records
2004
Debut album from this chanter who also appears on the I Grade compilation "Weep Not".
Favorite Selection: Confine
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Iba:

Iba - Jah Lion Iba
Jah Lion (Children Of The Nile)
Mt. Nebo Records
2003
Debut offering from this highly talented singer who also appears on Talkin Roots Vol. I.
Favorite Selection: African Queen
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Ikahba:

Ikahba - Troddin' To Zion Ikahba
Troddin To Zion
Afrikan Roots Lab
2004
Strong lyrics permeate throughout this artist's initial album of Ikahba who also lended some selections to the Homegrown and Eastbound II albums under the name Ika Melody.
Favorite Selection: Dem Skylarkin
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Inner Visions:

Inner Visions - Street Corner Musicians Inner Visions
Street Corner Musicians
Blue Bitch Music
2003
A second generation of Pickerings (Akiba and Aswad) join the band for the latest Inner Visions release.
Favorite Selection: Kindred Journey
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Inner Visions - Spiritual Dancer Inner Visions
Spiritual Dancer
Blue Bitch Music
2000
This album demonstrates Inner Visions' refined and eleborate musical abilities which distinguishes them from the St. Croix's raw roots style. 
Favorite Selection: Spiritual Dancer
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Inner Visions - Love One Another Inner Visions
Love One Another
Blue Bitch Music
1995
Debut album from this premier St. John band whose members include the Pickering brothers.
Favorite Selection: Blow Down Babylon
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Jahcob Seed:

Jahcob Seed - Heed Deh Call Jahcob Seed
Heed Deh Call
Ground Control Records
2003
Strong, well-rounded musical offering from this talented singer on his debut release.
Favorite Selection: Heed Deh Call
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Jahman:

Jahman - Poverty Struggle Jahman
Poverty Struggle
Splatter House Records
2000
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Mada Nile:

Mada Nile - Rise Today Mada Nile
Rise Today
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2004
Poignant lyrics abound on this sistren's debut release which includes contributions from Ras Attitude and Batch.
Favorite Selection: Batta Bruise
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Masta Chang:

Masta Chang - Be Yourself Masta Chang
Be Yourself
JC & MC Production
2003
This solo effort from this Masta Chang, who also has several selections on the I Grade compilation album "Weep Not", has a distinctively more 'ragga' flavor to it then most st. croix albums.
Favorite Selection: Ice, Gold and Green
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Midnite:

Midnite - Ainshant Maps Midnite
Ainshant Maps
Afrikan Roots Lab
2004
After a 2-year drought of strictly Midnite materials, the band returns to their well established pattern of spewing out some of the best roots music on the planet.
Favorite Selection: Knocka Fire
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Midnite - Scheme A Things Midnite
Scheme A Things
Rastafaria
2004
Released contemporaneously with Ainshant Maps, this Rastafaria release continues Midnite's tradition of fiery lyrics laced over some outstanding roots riddims.
Favorite Selection: Bazra 
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Midnite - Intense Pressure Midnite
Intense Pressure
Rastafaria
2003
This dub album establishes that Midnite is a formidable power in roots music even without any contributions from the amazing lyrical skills of lead singer, Vaughn Benjamin.
Favorite Selection: Man Tain
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Midnite - Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance Midnite
Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance
Afrikan Roots Lab
2002
Midnite takes roots music to an entirely new level with the heartical selection of songs contained on Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance.
Favorite Selection: Ras For A Reason
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Midnite - Jubilees Of Zion Midnite
Jubilees Of Zion
Afrikan Roots Lab
2001
The introductory musical offering from the Afrikan Roots Lab record label, the re-release of this album is crucial because of the 16-page lyrics booklet it contains.
Favorite Selection: One
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Midnite - Jubilees Of Zion Midnite
Jubilees Of Zion
Midnite Roots Music
2000
This album was recorded in st. croix shortly after the band returned their after a 6-year sojourn to Washington D.C., and is the initial recording at Midnite's Afrikan Roots Lab studio.
Favorite Selection: One
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Midnite - Ras Mek Peace Midnite
Ras Mek Peace
Wildchild!
2000
The album that first introduced me to the st. croix vibes, this CD was made with no mixing board, filtering, compression, equalization, noise reduction, multitracking or overdubbing.
Favorite Selection: Lion Wears The Crown
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Midnite - Unpolished Midnite
Unpolished
Rastafaria
1997
Initially release in 1997, this debut album was re-released by Rastafaria in 2002 and is one of my all-time favorite roots classics.
Favorite Selection: Don't Move (Lion's Dread)
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Midnite / I Grade:

Midnite - Vijan Midnite I Grade
Vijan
I Grade Records
2003
This 3rd collaboration between Midnite and I Grade records contains some poignant lyrics weaved over some crucial soundtracks. 
Favorite Selection: Structa
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Midnite - Assini Midnite I Grade
Assini
I Grade Records
2002
Midnite and I Grade records return with another excellent collaboration that is a little harder-hitting rhythmically than most Midnite releases.
Favorite Selection: Ises
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Midnite - Nemozian Rasta Midnite I Grade
Nemozian Rasta
I Grade Records
2001
Vaughn Benjamin is so lyrically prolific that he uses I Grade and Branch I as avenues to let keep the people feed.  This debut collaboration also includes several selections by Dezarie.
Favorite Selection: Bless
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Midnite Branch I:

Midnite Branch I - Full Cup Midnite / Ras L.
Full Cup
Natural Vibes
2004
This 17-track album is a collaboration between Vaughn 'Midnite' Benjamin and Ras L.
Favorite Selection: Worthy Deeds
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Midnite Branch I - Project III Midnite Branch I
Project III
Natural Vibes
2003
Released in late 2003, this 15-track Branch I project is the initial release by Natural Vibes, based out of Massachusetts.
Favorite Selection: Permit Zion
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Midnite Branch I - He Is Jah Midnite Branch I
He Is Jah
Rastafaria
2003
This Branch I project exposes the ability of Vaughn Benjamin to ride a wide variety of rhythms and still have a distinctively roots feel to it.
Favorite Selection: Bombs Away
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Midnite Branch I - Geoman Midnite Branch I
Geoman
I Grade Records
2003
The first Branch I album to be released by I Grade Records, Geoman contains 15 tracks that are sure to move anyone that is open to the possibilities that this album offers.
Favorite Selection: Jah In Dem (w/ Dread Ites & Pressure)
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Cipheraw - Midnite Branch I Midnite Branch I
The Cipheraw
Rastafaria
2002
This Rastafaria musical offering is a remastered version of The Cipheraw that was originally released by Glamorous Records.
Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self
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Midnite Branch I - The Cipheraw (original cover) Midnite Branch I
The Cipheraw
Glamorous Records
2002
This is the works of Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin and Phillip Merchant, to which Eddie Russell III adds trumpets trumpets to create an album that has a roots/jazz flavour to it.
Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self
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Mystical Youths:

Mystical Youths - Hard Life Mystical Youths
Hard Life
Iyah Ites Productions
2004
Debut album from this group who first surfaced with an excellent composition on the Eastbound II album.
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Ras Attitude:

Ras Attitude - Love Life Ras Attitude
Love Life
Sound V.I.Zion
2004
Ras Attitude returns with a hard-hitting album filled with consciousness.
Favorite Selection: War To Win
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Ras Attitude - Happiness Ras Attitude
Happiness
Sound V.I.Zion
2000
Initial release of Ras Attitude and Sound V.I.Zion, this album has something to offer for everyone.
Favorite Selection: Jah Trees
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Ron Benjamin:

Ron Benjamin - Second Chance Ron Benjamin
Second Chance
Afrikan Roots Lab
2002
The father of Midnite's Ron & Vaughn Benjamin links up with his sons for this multi-generational release.
Favorite Selection: It Ain't Easy
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Ron Benjamin - Life Like A Maze Ron Benjamin
Life Is Like A Maze
Sunburst Productions
1997
Ron Benjamin returns with another collection of primarily love songs inna reggae style.
Favorite Selection: Who Am I? 
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Ron Benjamin - The Early Sounds Ron Benjamin
Early Sounds Of
Black Panther Productions
1988
This album consists of reggae and soca love songs that were recorded by Ron Benjamin (father of Ron & Vaughn Benjamin) between 1980 and 1988. Listen to CD
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Sabbattical Ahdah:

Sabbattical Ahdah - Heart Ah Joy (remastered) Sabbattical Ahdah
Heart Ah Joy
SPM Records
2003
Digitally remastered re-release of this crucial album.
Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus
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Sabbattical Ahdah - Heart Ah Joy Sabbattical Ahdah
Heart Ah Joy
Iyah Ites
2001
Debut album from this heartical artist who also appears on the Eastbound albums.
Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus
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Sistah Joyce:

sjhypocricy.jpg (11392 bytes) Sistah Joyce
H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y
SPM Records
2004
The debut album from this roots daughter with the hard-hitting lyrics.
Favorite Selection: Remembah
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Sistah Joyce - H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y. EP Sistah Joyce
H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y (EP)
SPM Records
2004
4 track EP from the forthcoming debut album 'H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y.' on SPM Records.
Favorite Selection: Haile Africa
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Sistah Joyce & Jahmal - Gun Solution Single Sistah Joyce & Jamal
Gun Solution (CDS)
SPM Records
2004
Brand new single on the riddim featured on Wake Up Call. Listen to CD
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Star Lion Family:

Star Lion Family - From The Heart Star Lion Family
From The Heart
Black Juice Records
2002
Debut album from this multitalented vocal group hailing from the island of St. Thomas.
Favorite Selection: His Foundation
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Star Lion Family - Brighter Days EP Star Lion Family
Brighter Days (EP)
Star Lion Family
2003
3 track EP from this St. Thomas band.
Favorite Selection: Mama Love
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The Great Abu:

The Great Abu - With Tears The Great Abu
With Tears
SPM Records
2004
Initial release from this artist whose voice is remarkably similar to the Gladiator's Clinton Fearon.
Favorite Selection: It's a Cry
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Umojah:

Umojah - Sounds Of The Innocent Umojah
Sounds Of The Innocent
Umojah Productions
2002
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Various Artists:

V.A. - Wake Up Call Various Artists
Wake Up Call
SPM Records
2003
This initial musical offering from SPM Records includes lots of great st. croix artists such as Nyingro, Issachar, Bobo Ites and Sabbattical Ahdah.
Favorite Selection: Nyingro - Under A Spell
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V.A. - Weep Not Various Artists
Weep Not
I Grade Records
2002
Crucial compilation that includes Midnite, Dezarie and a slew of other gifted artists.
Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Hosanna Jah
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V.A. - Talkin' Roots Vol. 1 Various Artists
Talkin Roots Vol. I
Mt. Nebo Records
2002
One of my favorite all-time compilations, this album contains some serious selections on it.
Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Woe!
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V.A. - Culturellennium II Various Artists
Culturellennium II
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2001
Sound V.I.Zion returns with another set that includes Vaughn Benjamin, Dezarie, Batch, Ras Attitude and much more.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Excellency
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V.A. - Culturellennium Various Artists
Culturellennium
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2000
A rough compilation that includes Batch, Ras Attitude, Vaughn Benjamin, De Apostle, Prento Kidd and more.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Love Bredren
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V.A. - Homegrown Vol. 1 Various Artists
Homegrown Vol. I
Glamorous Records
2001
Compilation that showcases lots of new artists such as De Apostle, Army, Ika Melody (Ikahba), Eno and others.
Favorite Selection: Ika Melody - Politricktion
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V.A.- Eastbound II Various Artists
Eastbound II
Iyah Ites
2001
Nearly impossible to find, this follow-up album contains several tracks from Sabbattical Ahdah, Bobo Ites and Danny I.
Favorite Selection: Mystical Youths - Rasta School
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V.A. - Eastbound Various Artists
Eastbound
Iyah Ites
2000
Without a doubt the most crucial compilation of music from st. croix that includes tracks from Midnite, Army, Sabbattical Ahdah and Cripleton.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Roll Call
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V.A. - The Life EP Various Artists
The Life (EP)
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2003
4 track EP with selections from Ras Attitude, Batch, Mada Nile and Ambassada.
Favorite Selection: Mada Nile - Another Day
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Record Labels:

Afrikan Roots Lab Blue Bitch Music Dub Rise Records Glamorous Records
Ground Breaking Records Ground Control Records I Grade Records Iyah Ites
Mt. Nebo Records Prophet Hill Records Rastafaria Records Sound V.I.Zion Records

SPM Records

SPM Records

Umojah Productions

Afrikan Roots Lab Established in 2000, this is the recording studio and record label of Midnite, St. Croix's premier roots band.

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CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Midnite Ainshant Maps 2004
Ikahba Troddin To Zion 2004
Dezarie Gracious Mama Africa 2003
Midnite Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance 2002
Midnite Jubilees Of Zion 2001
Blue Bitch Music Record label of St. John's Inner Visions

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:

innervisionslogo.gif (1684 bytes)

Inner Visions Street Corner Musicians 2004
Inner Visions Spiritual Dancer 2000
Inner Visions Love One Another 1995
Dub Rise Records Record label of St. Croix recording artist Army.

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
dubrise.gif (4127 bytes) Army Struggler 2004
Army & Luciano Calling  Jah Army 2003
Army Yesterday's News (Remastered) 2003
Glamorous Records Record label of Drummer and Engineer Dean Pond

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Midnite Branch I The Cipheraw 2002
Various Artists Homegrown Vol. I 2001
Army Yesterday's News 2000
Ground Breaking Records

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Donny Dread Set De Pace 2004
Ground Control Records

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Jahcob Seed Heed Deh Call 2003
I Grade Records Conscious roots label of Laurent 'Tippy' Alfred Visit Web Site

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CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Yahadanai One Atonement 2004
Midnite/I Grade Vijan 2003
Abja Inna Red I Hour 2003
Midnite Branch I Geoman 2003
Midnite/I Grade Vijan 2003
Various Artists Weep Not 2002
Midnite/I Grade Assini 2002
Dezarie Fya 2001
Midnite/I Grade Nemozian Rasta 2001
Iyah Ites Records Record label of Sargie.

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Mystical Youths Hard Life 2004
Danny I Jah Fury 2002
Sabbattical Ahdah Heart Ah Joy 2001
Various Artists Eastbound Vol. II 2001
Various Artists Eastbound Vol. I 2000
Mt. Nebo Records This Maryland based record label is the home of Bambu Station. Visit Web Site

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
mtnebologo.jpg (2417 bytes) Iba Jah Lion (Children Of The Nile) 2003
Bambu Station One Day 2003
Various Artists Talkin' Roots Vol. I 2002
Prophet Hills Records Record Label for De Apostle.

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
De Apostle Book Of Fire 2002
De Apostle Genises 2000
Rastafaria Records Roots, Dub and Culture label. Visit Web Site

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Midnite Scheme A Things 2004
Midnite Branch I He Is Jah 2003
Midnite Intense Pressure 2003
Midnite Branch I The Cipheraw (Remastered) 2002
Midnite Unpolished (Rerelease) 2001
Sound V.I.Zion Records Roots label of Batch. Visit Web Site
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CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Batch Keep The Faith 2004
Ras Attitude Love Life 2004
Mada Nile Rise Today 2004
Batch Who You Are 2003
Various Artists The Life (EP) 2003
Various Artists Culturellennium II 2001
Various Artists Culturellennium 2000
Ras Attitude Happiness 2000
SPM Records Newly formed record label of brothers Ras Eddie & Ras I-G

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Danny I Grateful 4 Life (CDS) 2004
Sistah Joyce H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y. (EP) 2004
Sistah Joyce Gun Solution (CDS) 2004
The Great Abu With Tears 2004
Various Artists Wake Up Call 2003
Sabbattical Ahdah Heat Ah Joy (remastered) 2003
Umojah Productions Record label of Umojah

CDs:

Artist: Album: Year:
Umojah Sounds Of The Innocent 2002

 

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